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Beyond Pizza: Crafting Irresistible Homemade Bread
Table of Contents
In the world of culinary delights, few things rival the satisfaction of homemade bread. Move over pizza; we’re about to unravel a recipe that promises to be not just a meal but a sensory experience. Join me as we explore the steps to create a bread that’s not only tastier but also richer in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 450 g of flour
- 1/2 cube of fresh yeast (20 g)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 250 g of lukewarm water
For Coating:
- 100 ml of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 handful of fresh basil
- 1 handful of fresh parsley
Additional Toppings:
- Grated mozzarella or parmesan
- A few olives
Procedure
Activating the Yeast
- Place half a cube of yeast in a bowl.
- Add half a teaspoon of sugar and pour 250 ml of lukewarm water.
- Add two tablespoons of flour and stir until all ingredients dissolve without lumps.
- Leave the dissolved yeast in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it activates and foams.
Creating the Dough
- Measure and sift 450 g of flour, add a teaspoon of salt, and the activated yeast.
- Knead with a dough mixer until it becomes compact and separates from the bowl’s walls.
- If kneading by hand, mix until the flour is absorbed and continue until the dough is compact, smooth, and not too sticky.
- Shape into a ball, cover, and let it ferment in a warm, draft-free room for about half an hour or until doubled in volume.
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Rolling and Preparing
- Spread the risen dough on a floured surface and roll it out evenly.
- Transfer it to a piece of baking paper on a wide, shallow baking tray.
- Cut it into cubes.
Crafting the “Pesto”
- Chop fresh basil and parsley, grate or squeeze garlic, and mix with 100 ml of olive oil.
- Spread the mixture across all the incisions, then brush the entire surface with a silicone brush.
Toppings and Baking
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella, parmesan, or your preferred cheese along the cuts.
- Place a sliced olive on top of each cube and press gently.
- Optionally, sprinkle more mozzarella over the entire bread.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes.
Conclusion
As the aroma of this artisanal bread fills your kitchen, you’ve not just baked; you’ve crafted an experience. With its golden crust, flavorful coating, and delightful toppings, this bread transcends the ordinary. Pizza might have a competitor on the table, but this creation is in a league of its own.